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Ears the News: February 20, 2021 Edition


 Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com


'Raya and the Last Dragon' offerings coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom will host a couple of new experiences based on the movie, "Raya and the Last Dragon."  You will be able to learn to draw new characters from the movie at the Animation Experience at Conservation Station.  

Artists also will be working on a 40-ton sand sculpture at the Discovery Island Stage.  The display will feature Raya, Tuk Tuk, Sisu the last dragon and the Ongi.  It will take over 24 hours to build and carve the display that is made entirely from sand.  This sculpture will be made by two talented artists.  Between February 19 through 21, guests will have the opportunity to watch these artists at work.  The carving will be showcased at Disney's Animal Kingdom through the end of March.

Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Disney Park Pass at Walt Disney World extended to January 2023

Disney's Park Pass, Walt Disney World's theme park reservation system, will be extended into January 2023.  This system was implemented to manage capacity during the reopening following COVID-19 shutdown.  The park will remain at reduced capacity through 2021, according to Disney CEO Bob Chapek.

Attendance at the theme parks is managed by Disney Park Pass reservations

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


25 percent discount for WDW Annual Passholders at shopDisney and Disney Stores nationwide

From February 21 through February 24th, WDW Annual Passholders can receive 25% off select merchandise purchases of $75 or more.  You can shop at Disney Stores nationwide or on shopDisney.com.

How to Redeem 25% off $75 or more Sitewide:
  • Check that your Disney Parks account is linked to your Walt Disney World Annual Pass by going to the Walt Disney World website.
  • Click into “Sign In or Create Account” then log in or register into your account.
  • Click the “Welcome” link.
  • Click into “Membership & Passes.”
  • Under “Link Memberships & Passes to Your Account” ensure your Walt Disney World Annual Pass is linked. If it is not, click “Add a Disney Annual Pass” and add necessary information.
  • Go to shopDisney.
  • Sign in to your shopDisney account affiliated with your Disney Parks Account.
  • Place at least one eligible item into your Bag.
  • In “My Bag” type the Promotion Code AP25OFF into the Add Promotion Code area.
  • The promotion will be applied to all eligible items in your Bag.
  • Continue shopping or begin checkout.
Click here for restrictions.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder logo
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Walt Disney World 2022 packages now available for booking

Walt Disney World resort hotel and ticket packages are now available in early 2022 for arrivals checking in by July 1, 2022.  

Contact Kingdom Konsultant Travel at 1-866-566-7858 or vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote.

Please keep in mind that the Park Pass reservations are required.  Dining plans remain unavailable.
Packages are now available for many nights through July 1 2022.
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve to open this summer, reservations open now

Visitors can no make reservations at the Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts.  This 14-story hotel offers an upscale and boutique type environment right in the middle of Walt Disney World Resort.  Opening in July 2021, reservations can be made by contacting Kingdom Konsultant Travel.  Rates begin at $278 for a queen room for September 1st and beyond. 

The entry lobby.The pool areaTraditional queen guest room
Photos courtesy of WDWMagic.com

This hotel features 349 guest rooms, 149 suites and two presidential suites complete with floor to ceiling windows.  Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios is within walking distance or accessible via Disney water taxi.  The hotel's suites are perfect for families of 6-8 people, business meetings.  It features residential-style comfort and the latest technological capabilities.

New features at The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve will include the following:

  • Vue, an exclusive rooftop space perfect for weddings or social gatherings featuring views of Walt Disney World Resort
  • Mediterranean restaurant
  • Grab-n-go cafe
  • Scenic pool areas
  • Fitness center with state-of-the-art equipments
  • Two ballrooms and more than 15,000sq ft of meeting space
  • 13,000 ft of outdoor event space
  • Business Center
  • Complimentary transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs
Guests of The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve have access to all the amenities at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, including Mandara Spa, five pools, 18 restaurants and lounges, preferred tee times at Disney's championship golf courses and four signature restaurants:  Shula's Steak House, Todd English's blue zoo, II Mulino and kImonos and special Disney benefits.

Hong Kong Disneyland to reopen from COVID-19 for a third time

Hong Kong Disneyland is set to reopen for its third COVID-19 shutdown on February 19, 2021.  The resort opened on June 18th and closed in mid-July.  In then closed again for a third time on December 2, 2020.

Hong Kong Disneyland reopening February 2021`

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


Construction permits filed for live show venues at Disney's Hollywood including Fantasmic!

Disney has filed a number of permits relating to live show areas at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Three permits have been filed for Fantasmic!  This includes performance island and backstage areas.  

Permits also has been filed at the Theater of the Stars and the EPIC Stunt Show theater.  Buena Vista Construction Company, which usually handles small maintenance work, is assigned to these permits. there's probably no significant work that needs to be done but it may mean that small changes need to occur before the shows resume.  

All major shows have been put on hold since the COVID-19 shutdowns.  Keeping performers physically distanced has been an issue as well as the large number of guests going in and out of the theaters.

Aerial view of Fantasmic at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


Disney announces first details of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration beginning October 1

Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration will start off on October 1, 2021.  ABC's Good Morning America was the first to unveil the first details.  The celebration will continue for 18 months.

Cinderella Castle will get a new look that will build on the new look from last year.

The World's Most Magical Celebration overview
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

To add to "The World's Most Magical Celebration," icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will come to life with their own "EARidescent" glow which comes to life at night.  Cinderella Castle will sparkle with pixie dust, magical fireflies will gather in Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life, Hollywood Tower Hotel will be filled with imagination.  In addition, expect to see new lights that will shine off the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth in EPCOT.
Cinderella Castle becomes a Beacon of MagicTree of Life becomes a Beacon of Magic in Disney’s Animal KingdomHollywood Tower Hotel becomes a Beacon of Magic in Disney’s Hollywood StudiosSpaceship Earth will come to life at night with their own EARidescent glow

Photos courtesy of WDWMagic.com

More details are set to released over the next coming months.  Please click here for Disney's 50th Anniversary page.


Elisa loves helping others create magical memories with their family and friends. You can email Elisa at elisa@kingdomkonsultant.com. 



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